Wild Turkey
Image: stayinside (cc-by-nc)
NameWild Turkey
Common NameWild Turkey
Scientific NameMeleagris gallopavo
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)135
Length (cm)106
Weight (g)7000
Plumage DetailsIridescent bronze-green to copper body plumage, often appearing dark. Males have a bare, red, white, and blue head and neck, with a 'beard' of coarse feathers on the chest. Females are generally duller with a feathered head.
Vocalization / CallKnown for the male's loud 'gobble,' especially during breeding season, which can be heard over long distances. They also produce a variety of other vocalizations including clucks, purrs, yelps, and putts.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland, grassland, agricultural land
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to North America, found across most of the contiguous United States, parts of southern Canada, and northern Mexico.
Identifying Featureslarge size, iridescent dark plumage, bare head and neck (males), fanned tail (males), distinctive gobble call, ground-dwelling
Description
The Wild Turkey is a large, ground-dwelling bird native to North America, known for its distinctive gobble and elaborate courtship displays. Males are larger and more colorful than females, often seen foraging in flocks in woodlands and open fields. They are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats.
